This very affordable Kruger National Park & Swaziland Safari departs from Johannesburg travelling to Greater Kruger and the beautiful Panorama Route. Go game viewing in the world-famous Kruger National Park, then cross into Swaziland to explore the scenic Mlilwane Nature Reserve. Re-enter South Africa and head to St. Lucia and iSimangaliso Wetland Park where we enjoy a boat cruise and a game drive in the prestigious Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.

Lastly, drive to the coastal city of Durban, where this excellent-value budget Kruger & Swaziland Accommodated Safari comes to an end.

Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger – South Africa

Our Kruger Park & Swaziland Safari starts in one of Africa's most modernised and prosperous cities - Johannesburg. Setting off from the bustling city we drive east into the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, the top safari region of this diverse country. In the late afternoon, you have the chance to embark on an optional sunset game drive which needs to be booked in advance (your guide can assist you this morning when we depart).

Our first overnight lodge is located in a private concession area of Kruger National Park. We stay in permanent tented-suites with en-suite bathrooms, raised on stilts. This evening at the bush camp, your guide tells you more about the safari adventure ahead.

Optional Activity: Sunset Game Drive (subject to availability)

Dinner

Activity Package:

This safari comes with an optional Activity Package at extra cost. The itinerary includes these highly-recommended activities. Contact African Budget Safaris for a detailed breakdown of what is included in the Activity Package and see the Full Pricing Information above for the cost.

Day 2: Kruger National Park - South Africa

Today we get up early and make our way into the world-famous Kruger National Park for an unforgettable day of game viewing. Entering the vast Kruger Park the game viewing adventure begins right away. Kruger National Park is home to Africa's Big 5, as well as a multitude of other beautiful African animals, both small and large. This is South Africa's premier national park, famous for its superb game viewing and progressive conservation practices.

Our truck offers an elevated vantage for seeing over other vehicles and the bush, providing excellent opportunities for spotting and photographing as many of the wild animals in Kruger Park as possible. If you have opted for the Activity Package then you take a 4x4 game drive in an open safari vehicle instead, immersing yourself in the wilderness that is Kruger National Park.

In the late afternoon, you can set off on a sunset game drive as an optional extra activity.

Day 3: Panorama Route & Greater Kruger - South Africa

On day three you have the option of heading into the bush on foot for a guided game walk (optional extra) or you can sleep in a little.

Then, we visit the Panorama Route, driving into one of the most scenic parts of South Africa. Travelling along the Panorama Route we stop to admire the spectacular views from God's Window, looking out over the Lowveld to the distant mountains along the Mozambique border. We also stop to view the distinctive Three Rondavels hills and Bourke’s Luck Potholes - peculiar rock features created by water erosion over decades. Our drive takes us along Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest vegetated canyons in the world.

From the scenic splendours of the Panorama Route, we return to our camp in Greater Kruger.

Included Activity: Panorama Route Tour

Optional Activities: Morning Bush Walk (subject to availability)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Swaziland

Leaving the legendary Kruger National Park early this morning we look out for wildlife as we head south through the African bush. Exiting Kruger in the south we continue into the landlocked nation of Swaziland. Swaziland is one of Africa's smallest countries, encompassing a diversity of terrains, from lowlands to towering mountains.

We head to the Nyonyane Mountains in northwest Swaziland, where Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is located. This beautiful reserve lies in the "Valley of Heaven" or Ezulwini Valley and is known for its idyllic setting. Covering 4 560 hectares of wilderness this is the oldest protected area in Swaziland. There are no big predators in Mlilwane, making it the ideal spot for relaxing walks in nature. Our time here is more about tuning into nature and soaking up the fresh mountain air and scenery than big game viewing action.

Day 5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Swaziland

Day five starts off with a nature walk in the scenic Mlilwane Sanctuary. Your safari guide takes you for a walk on the Nature Trail and tells you more about the local environment and history as you go.

Later on, we head to the Esijeni community for a guided tour of the village (included in Activity Package). A local guide conducts the two-hour guided walk through the village introducing you to Swazi culture. This interactive tour offers a chance to participate in some of the day-to-day activities of life in the village, from grinding maize to carrying water. This afternoon is free for optional activities, relaxing in nature and exploring Mlilwane further. Go hiking or mountain biking or join a game drive, the choice is yours.

Day 6: St Lucia - South Africa

This morning we set off for the East Coast of Africa, bidding farewell to Swaziland. We drive back into South Africa and head to St Lucia at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, near the Mozambique border. Isimangaliso was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa when it was known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. The area is a heritage site given the high biodiversity it protects, including threatened and endemic species, across its range of habitats.

This evening we are treated to a cultural experience, gaining insight into the local Zulu people, their traditions and language.

Included Activity: Zulu cultural experience

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve & Isimangaliso - South Africa

On day seven we spend the morning in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, Africa's oldest game park. We enjoy top-class game viewing in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Reserve, one of the best game parks in South Africa.

Our 4x4 game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve gives us a chance to see Africa's Big Five, along with a host of other marine and land animals. The prestigious Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is best known for the critical role that it played in saving the rhino, and today the reserve is home to one of the world's largest white rhino populations.

Leaving the game-rich Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Reserve we return to our lodge in St Lucia for a rest. Then we visit the beautiful iSimangaliso Wetland Park. We embark on a sunset boat cruise on the natural lagoon, looking out for hippos and an abundance of birds.

Day 8: Durban - South Africa

On the last day of our Kruger Park & Swaziland Overland Safari, we travel south along the picturesque coastline of KwaZulu-Natal.

Our final stop is the coastal city of Durban, renowned for its surfing culture and warm Indian Ocean beaches. One of the top seaside holiday destinations in South Africa the city a lot to offer visitors. Durban has a unique culture, fusing African, European and Asian elements together in a lively and colourful mix. Arriving in Durban, our Southern African journey comes to an end. Often groups meet for a post-safari dinner out in the city, with its strong Indian influences offering enticing cuisine.

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